St. Cyprian's visits Temple Bet Yam

Members of the St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church joined the congregation of Temple Bet Yam at a recent Friday night Shabbat service.

Rabbi Mark Goldman welcomed all the guests; and as the service progressed, he explained the prayers, symbols and sequence of the service to the large group.

Later Goldman unrolled the Torah scroll which covered the length of the center aisle, while it was jointly supported by members of the two congregations, as well as others from the Christian community. The unrolling of the Biblical Scroll, and its parchment adorned with Hebrew calligraphy, instantly became a spiritual symbol of our common roots and goals for interfaith understanding for all those participating.

Temple Bet Yam, under Goldman’s direction, has established interfaith relations with several houses of worship in recent years. Activities have included joint congregational discussions, Earth Day celebrations, Interfaith observances and invitations for Goldman to speak on a variety of topics. Temple Bet Yam’s choir has joined other church choirs during special events as well.

Temple Bet Yam is at 2055 Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine. The public is always welcomed.